The WNBA season might have capped off in the USA, but basketball doesn't stop overseas. Global women’s basketball continues to deliver, and this one carries news from China.

Phoenix Mercury center Kalani Brown joins the Taiyuan-based club to help the Shanxi Flame in their championship hunt.

Per the Chinese Women's Hoops Show, Kalani Brown’s arrival marks a significant addition to one of the WCBA’s top contenders.

Shanxi Flame currently sits second on the Group A table with a 7-3. At first spot are defending champions Guangdong, unbeaten at 10-0.

Brown's move is called a 'strategic response' to tackle Kamilla Cardoso's strong performances with Guangdong. This announcement comes after the departure of reserve Crystal Bradford and the arrival of Marena Whittle and Mercedes Russell, announced forthe AU Basketball Season 5 beginning February 4.

Led by Head Coach Momir Tasic, Shanxi needs frontcourt stability, and Brown is the best option. The Baylor alum joins Queen Egbo, Ruoyun Zhai, Chen Yujie, and Whittle to manage the remainder of the season.

With the team locked in alongside Hieben and Jiangsu, adding Brown’s size (6'7) can prove to be beneficial. If the top 2 teams are face-to-face in the finals, Brown vs Cardoso would be a sight to watch.

The Kamilla Cardoso challenge

The Chicago Sky star has been putting up stellar numbers with a recent stat line of 19 points, shooting 6 of 10, and making 7-9 free throws against Hebei.

But Kalani Brown’s WNBA numbers and Guangdong's short-handed roster could be an advantage for Shanxi.

Brown joined the Phoenix Mercury earlier this year as part of the 10-team trade on February 2, 2025, that brought along Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas.

In 2025, Brown averaged 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, shooting an elite 61.5% from the field and 77.1% from the free-throw line. Across her career, she maintains a 57.5% FG rate.

Besides multi-year rookie contracts, Brown is one of the two players with an active contract going into the 2026 season amid CBA talks.

Now in red and white colors, she steps into the WCBA race to paint the final picture in victory colors.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Joyita Das